Bertie Ahern
Question:20 Mr. B. Ahern asked the Minister for Finance the plans, if any, which are under way within his Department to deal effectively with the year 2000 computer problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11626/97]
Written Answers. - Computer Applications.
For some time now my Department has been taking steps to ensure that all its computer applications and those in the Civil Service generally take account of the Year 2000 requirements. In September 1996 my Department carried out an inventory of its own computer applications, in order to identify those which would require amendments to cater for the year 2000. At present a detailed plan is being compiled to quantify both the cost and total effort required in ensuring that all information technology systems in the Department are Year 2000 compliant by January 1999 at the latest.
In March last my Department also issued a circular to all Government Departments and offices, requiring them to (i) verify the year 2000 compliance status of their IT infrastructures and systems; (ii) draw up plans to migrate non-complaint systems to Year 2000 compliance; and (iii) procure only Year 2000 compliant products to prevent the introduction of problems in already compliant systems. This circular also deals with the question of computer systems being able to handle the introduction of the euro. Departments and Offices are required to submit the information sought in the circular by 1 July next, so that my Department can make an assessment of the overall work involved and advise Government of developments.
An interdepartmental special interest group on the Year 2000, under the chairmanship of my Department, was set up last year and this group meets monthly, to review and keep in touch with developments. There are electronic mechanisms in place for the dissemination of Year 2000 information and my Department uses these to distribute to Departments-offices, Year 2000 compliance information, as it becomes available, for products that are widely used in the Civil Service.